Which muscles are most likely still innervated after a complete C5 spinal cord injury to assist with a sliding-board transfer?

• A. Deltoids and biceps
• B. Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi
• C. Triceps and finger flexors
• D. Hip extensors

Answer: (A)

A complete C5 injury leaves you with usable input from muscles controlled by nerves at or above the C5 level, which for this transfer means those that can produce shoulder movement and elbow bending. The deltoid provides the key shoulder abduction to position the arm for transfer, and the biceps provide elbow flexion to pull the body toward the board. Together they supply the fundamental actions needed to slide over and onto the next surface. In contrast, elbow extension (triceps) is mostly C7–C8 and would be weak or paralyzed at this level, and the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and hip extensors are either less critical for this specific movement or rely on lower levels that are typically not functional after a complete C5 injury. So the deltoids and biceps are the muscles most likely still innervated and capable of aiding a sliding-board transfer.